Canoeing the Mountains: Summary and Quotes

Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory

by Tod Bolsinger

**Summary**

Bolsinger believes that the modern church is facing a pivotal moment, similar to what the Lewis and Clark Expedition encountered at the Lemhi Pass. As they climbed to the top of the mountain ridge, they expected to find a downhill water route all the way to the Pacific Ocean in front of them. Instead, all they saw were more and taller mountains.
Bolsinger argues that churches can face the daunting challenge ahead in the same way as the Expedition.
Abandon the canoes.
Embrace the true mission.
And seek help from people who are at home in the new land.
**Author’s Website**
Canoeing the Mountains - By Tod Bolsinger

Favorite Quotes

“To live up to their name, local churches must be continually moving out, extending themselves into the world, being the missional, witnessing community we were called into being to be: the manifestation of God’s going into the world, crossing boundaries, proclaiming, teaching, healing, loving, serving and extending the reign of God. In short, churches need to keep adventuring or they will die.”

“The goal of the Christian faith is not simply to become more loving community but to be a community of people who participate in God’s mission to heal the world by reestablishing his loving reign ‘on earth as it is in heaven.’”

“For church leaders facing this missional moment, the reframing of church strategy from a sanctuary-centered, membership-based, religious-and life-service provider to a local mission outpost for furthering the kingdom of God enables our congregations to discover a faithful expression of our corporate identity in a changing world.”

“Start with conviction, stay calm, stay connected, and stay the course.”

“Leaders thrust off the map in a rapidly changing world must trust that God is taking us into uncharted territory to extend the healing, justice and loving rule of God to all the world, and at the same time to transform us. The great discovery in following Christ into his mission is that we find ourselves being continually formed to be like Jesus. By doing the work of the kingdom, we become like the King.”